#AskMargie: Introverts-extroverts (part 1)

MANILA, Philippines – Are you an introvert or an extrovert?

In this first of a four-part series, clinical psychologist kicks-off the discussion on relationships with either an introvert or an extrovert by first clearly defining what they are.

Watch:

This week’s topic is something many of you have clamored to have on the show and that’s introversion and extroversion.
We’ll be having a series of episodes on this topic, but for today, let’s focus on definitions and misconceptions about what makes an introvert or an extrovert.

Let’s begin.

Rica says: A lot of people say I’m an extrovert because I excel at networking. I can easily make friends and I’m talkative. While I enjoy being involved in social activities, I also get tired and want to be alone. I also hate small talk, I avoid it at all costs if possible. So am I an introvert or an extrovert?

Dr. Holmes: GREAT question, Rica, you hit the nail right on the head. Being an introvert or an extrovert has nothing to do with how exuberant you are or how well (or badly), you can network. Rather it has to do with where you get your energy from. But that is not as easy to define/measure since many of get our energy from many sources. But we will make this clearer as this show progresses, ok?

Many of you took issue with the association of being an introvert with being antisocial or shy.

Jan Suing: The antisocial term is misused.
Anette: You can be an extrovert and still be shy.

Dr. Holmes: Korek kayo dyan, Jan and Anette!

Aki Dianopra: Research into different personality types confirm that not all introverts are shy. What makes an introvert an introvert they just drain their energy a lot when they are in crowds.

Dr. Holmes: Korek! See what I mean, Rica?

Lex Bonife: Introverts are just different. We have a different way of processing stimulus.

Dr. Holmes: That’s a great way of putting it, Lex. In fact the latest research in the field of neuroscience points in that direction.

I asked: what’s the difference between an introvert and an extrovert?

Felixberto Yalung: Introverts keep quiet, extroverts keep talking.

Elena Marie Domingo: Introversion is more than just the social aspect of it. It’s not just about being shy or not liking to be with other people. Generally speaking, are we Filipinos aware of the difference? Or we’re all so stuck with the popular belief?

Dr. Holmes: Not all Filipinos know the difference, so I hope you’re glad we have these videos to help them do just that, Elena Marie.

Steve Rogers: I don’t think I fit the stereotypical description of either… and I doubt that I’m the only one.

Dr. Holmes: Yes, you aren’t the only one because you a well be an ambivert which acc. To Carl Jung and many other social scientists, are what most people are. Another reason, however, that you may feel you’re an introvert at one time, and an extrovert at another, or even an “ambivert” is that the scientific definition of all the “verts” is unclear and this is one of the major reasons we have this, and other videos in the series.

Jett Obejas asks: Is it just a state of mind? Extroverts find it easy to relate and interact with people inside and outside their comfort zone, and introverts only find it easy to relate and interact with people within their comfort zone.

Actually, whether one is an introvert, extrovert or an “in between ambivert” is not just “a state of mind,” Jett; rather it has some physical correlates to go with it. In other words, these three words are not mere social constructs but objective realities that can be measured.

– Rappler.com